Business
Expolanka supports post-COVID revival of air freight forwarding from Mattala Airport
Leading integrated global logistics solutions provider, Expolanka Freight (EFL) announced the successful completion of two shipments of general and perishable goods out of Mattala Rajapakse International Airport (MRIA) utilising converted incoming passenger repatriation flights last week.
Given the company’s role as the first to move cargo out of MRIA in 2013 and first to start operating during the pandemic, EFL worked in alignment with national objectives to help secure a rapid post-COVID economic resurgence.
In the past month, EFL shipped 25 tonnes of general cargo from Colombo to Dubai to markets in the United States and European Union utilising an Emirates repatriation flight on 9 August 2020.
Similarly, the company also facilitated the shipment of a further 4 tonnes of perishable fruits and vegetables supplied by YAS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to Oman on 16 August 2020 via Salaam Air. Notably, domestic road freight between Mattala and BIA was facilitated using EFL’s network of specialised operators for perishable goods and standard fleet for general cargo.
“EFL is proud to have been the first and only logistics specialist with the requisite agility, advanced expertise and global network necessary to step up and directly support the Government’s efforts to revitalise cargo operations out of MRIA. These operations send an important signal to markets globally, namely: that despite all challenges, Sri Lanka is opening up for exports.
“In achieving this important milestone, we are extremely grateful to the support provided by airport authorities and Customs officials, as well as our international partners for working with speed and agility to ensure we keep the Sri Lankan economy moving efficiently, while ensuring the safe repatriation of our fellow citizens,” EFL Managing Director, Saif Yusoof stated.
He further noted that the scaling up of cargo operations at MRIA would have major positive implications for the country’s agriculture sector and related industries, given that the Mattala Airport was situated in close proximity to a major Agriculture Processing Zone, thus providing easy access to global markets for local producers of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
General activity at the MRIA following the outbreak of COVID-19 has been sharply on the rise with over 50 flights involving 2,188 passengers having touched down at the airport in June and July 2020 alone – primarily for the purposes of repatriation and international ship crew changes.
EFL (Expolanka Freight) is a leading provider of supply chain solutions and is ranked among the top 30 airfreight forwarders in the world. Founded in 1982, EFL is headquartered in Sri Lanka and recognized as an expert in fashion and tech logistics and in recent times has partnered with leading airlines to provide weekly direct charters to the USA.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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